CJIA awaiting police report before taking action- Benn

Jun 03, 2011 News

Cameras at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, have identified persons entering the restricted area where a ‘Molotov cocktail’ was found last month, and authorities are now awaiting a report from the police to take the necessary action.
Updating Kaieteur News earlier this week on the May 5 incident, Minister of Transport Robeson Benn disclosed that the police report would identify specific actions to be taken.
“Police are pursuing investigations and we are awaiting the report. We cannot act until we have the police report or some report that would identify specific actions.”
On May 5, a Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officer stationed at the CJIA discovered the ‘channa bomb’ in a toilet not easily accessible to the public.
There were immediate suspicions, and a cleaning crew, Customs and CJIA staffers working that night shift were hauled in for questioning.
While no official motive has been forthcoming from authorities, official sources believe that the culprits may have intended to use the device to cause a distraction and then load illegal drugs onto a plane for export. There was no immediate linkage to terrorist activities.
According to Benn, he has asked CJIA officials to follow up on the matter. In response to questions whether there are enough cameras to monitor activities at the various facilities, the Minister was blunt.
“We don’t need more cameras…we have enough already. The camera has identified each person who entered the area in question. It is just a question of timing and the police have to do their work to advise us.”
CJIA had assured that the device did not immediately “pose any safety or security risk to the facility or passengers and staff facilities”. Officials had said that the incident is being viewed as “extremely” serious and investigators were working round the clock to find the person (s) responsible.
According to police, the discovery was made shortly after 21:00 hrs on May 5. A vodka bottle filled with channa and gasoline was found near a sink in the washroom.
‘Channa bombs’ when lit and thrown are known to cause substantial damage.